How Does Therapeutic Massage Affect Mental Wellness

Published

March 30, 2022

Authored

Derrick Allen

Therapeutic massage provides numerous mental and emotional benefits, from improved sleep to symptom relief. Find out more with this guide.

Did you know there’s evidence suggesting massage is a beneficial option to decrease anxiety symptoms? Regular massages can improve a number of chronic conditions, and if you wonder how, you can learn more here.

This guide will explain why you might want to seek out regular therapeutic massage treatments. Some benefits include experiencing a decrease in stress or depressive symptoms.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

Improve Your Motivation at Work

A lot of Americans work behind a desk for eight hours a day. If you don’t maintain decent posture, you could strain your neck or experience lower back pain. 

Lower back pain can impact your ability to focus at work. However, you could seek out regular massage treatments to alleviate back pain. 

Are you wondering what kind of massage to schedule? Check out this complete guide to therapeutic massages to learn more.

Boost Your Mood

Do you struggle with depressive thoughts when the seasons change? Are you exhausted from the stress of the pandemic? Professional bodywork like massage will help to lift your mood. 

Massage will improve dopamine and serotonin levels. Serotonin is known as the happy neurotransmitter, giving people a natural boost to their mood. 

Knowing you have a massage scheduled for after work will help you remain motivated. This is an excellent form of self-care, as well. 

If you’re super busy and don’t have time for an hour-long massage, you could get a 15-minute massage.

Let Go of Mental Tension

If you feel a lot of tension from a work-related problem or relational conflict, you will experience physical consequences. After an argument, you might develop a tension headache or find it hard to relax. 

If you suffer from tension headaches, try a deep tissue massage. The therapist will apply deep finger pressure to help loosen tension in your body. 

You Can Enjoy Better Sleep

Enough regular sleep will benefit any wellness regime. Excellent sleep hygiene will help you stay focused during the day. 

If you’re struggling with sleeping at night, find a local massage therapist. Massage will boost your blood circulation, lower your heart rate, and relax muscles. You’ll have an easier time sleeping that night.

Lessen Depression Symptoms

Massage therapy can also improve symptoms of depression. 

People often report improved feelings of well-being after massages. Physical touch increases the release of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes well-being and comfort.

Improve Your Fight-or-Flight Response

There are different areas in your brain that will release hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) or cortisol. These hormones help prepare your body to respond to or leave a stressful situation.

Noticeable changes in your body like a flushed face, shallow breathing, or a fast heartbeat occur.

People dealing with an overactive fight-or-flight response from an anxiety disorder may benefit from regular treatments.

Massage therapy will help relax both your body and mind. Your heart rate will slow down during the treatment, and your blood pressure will lower.

Improve Your Energy Levels

If you struggle with energy levels, you might want to look into regular massage therapy. Massages will boost circulation, helping you feel more focused and energized.

Tight shoulder or neck muscles can affect the circulation to your brain. Massage can improve blood flow and deliver oxygen to your body’s cells.

Boost Your Immune System

The lymphatic system will remove toxins, bacteria, and waste build-up. It will also fight infection, playing a vital role in the immune system. Regular massage treatments can benefit your lymphatic system.

When you feel stressed out, you might feel lethargic or develop a cold. Your massage therapist will apply pressure to different points on your body to help boost your lymphatic system. 

Help Ease Chronic Illness Symptoms

Do you suffer from a chronic disease or illness? You might have high-stress levels, but stress can worsen chronic diseases. This turns into a brutal cycle.

You could talk to a therapist and talk about gentle massage treatments. If you don’t feel comfortable with a deep tissue massage, find something else. You might benefit from a facial massage. 

Make Self-Care a Priority

When you set aside time for a massage once a month, you’re pursuing an excellent form of self-care.

Massage therapy often feels like a luxurious treat. When you choose to follow this form of self-care, you’re giving yourself a much-needed break.

Try to continue other acts of self-care to keep improving your health.

Deal With Chronic Headaches

Some people suffer from headaches because of tight neck or shoulder muscles.

Prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, or working in the same position for a long time can cause stiff muscles. Sitting in front of computers will weaken the muscles in your upper back and shoulders.

Most people who work at an office job will suffer from the ‘computer hunch’. They feel pain in their neck and shoulders because they’ve sat in front of the computer too long.

Your shoulder muscles around the scapula (your shoulder blades) will support your neck. Maintaining proper posture will help you keep your muscles in good form.

You could also relieve tension through massages. Your therapist could teach you how to complete specific stretches during your workday.

Schedule a Therapeutic Massage Today

Try not to forget all the benefits of a therapeutic massage.

Seek out massage therapy treatments to improve your physical and mental well-being. Get regular treatments to help with chronic headaches, or improve your stress levels.

Ready to set up an appointment for massage therapy? Call our professional therapists today and make an appointment.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you!